Ariana Grande, the pop sensation known for her chart-topping hits and powerhouse vocals, is making a bold shift in her career. The 31-year-old artist, who has spent over a decade dominating the music industry, recently revealed her desire to slow down her music career and focus more on her roots in musical theatre. Grande’s comments came during a candid interview on the Las Culturistas podcast, where she shared her evolving ambitions for the next phase of her career.
Grande’s decision to step away from her high-paced music trajectory comes as she stars in the upcoming two-part film adaptation of the Broadway classic Wicked, where she plays the iconic role of Glinda the Good Witch. For Ariana, this role has sparked a renewed passion for musical theatre, a realm she first entered at the age of 15 with her debut in the Broadway musical 13. The actress and singer explained that reconnecting with her theatre roots has been a healing process, one that brings her immense joy and fulfillment.
“It is my heart,” Ariana confessed about her love for musical theatre, adding, “I’m gonna say something so scary it’s gonna scare the absolute s*** out of my fans, but I love them, and they’ll deal, and we’ll be here forever.” Grande’s transparent admission of wanting to shift focus from music, although shocking to her devoted fanbase, is a reflection of her evolving personal and professional growth.
For over 10 years, Ariana has been one of the most successful pop stars in the world, releasing seven studio albums and achieving global fame with hits like “Problem”, “Thank U, Next”, and “No Tears Left to Cry”. However, she explained that the pace at which she has been making and promoting music no longer aligns with her vision for the future. While she emphasized that she would continue making music and performing on stage, she made it clear that she doesn’t see herself working at the same intense pace she has maintained throughout her career. “I’m always going to make music, I’m always going to go on stage, I’m always going to do pop stuff, I pinky promise,” she reassured her fans.
In addition to her role in Wicked, Ariana’s return to musical theatre marks a significant personal milestone. Grande revealed that she was eager to explore a broader range of roles and creative expressions, including comedy, voice work, and character-based performances. “I love comedy, and it heals me to do that,” she explained. This shift to a more diversified career path reflects her desire to explore new artistic avenues and honor the material she works with.
However, the transition to theatre has not been without its challenges. Ariana, who made her acting debut as Cat Valentine on the Nickelodeon series Victorious in 2010, has faced scrutiny over her casting as Glinda, particularly due to her relative inexperience in major acting roles. Despite the criticism, Grande expressed an understanding of the controversy and reflected on how she had to earn her place in such a high-profile project. “Anything on this scale… it’s not just given because they know for one thing,” she explained, acknowledging the challenge of reshaping people’s perceptions and earning her credibility in the acting world.
Grande’s commitment to training and preparation for Wicked shows her dedication to her craft. While some may have doubted her suitability for the role of Glinda, Ariana emphasized that the extensive preparation she underwent would prove her critics wrong. This is a testament to her work ethic and passion for delivering an authentic and compelling performance.
As Ariana Grande embarks on this new chapter in her career, fans can expect her to continue making music, but perhaps at a slower pace, while delving deeper into the world of musical theatre. Her decision to embrace this shift could not only redefine her career but also open up new opportunities for artistic expression and growth. Whether it’s on stage or on screen, Ariana is ready to continue captivating audiences with her talent and dedication.
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